There are certain times in our lives when we must face our fears. For some, it is an encounter with a spider. For others, it’s the fear of heights which knots the stomach. But for some parents, it’s the day their child becomes a legally licensed driver.

Even a good driver education teacher cannot shield teenage drivers from other motorists or from poor decision making. They can, however, instill sound driving skills and situational awareness when, if followed, can reduce the likelihood of accidents. But should an accident occur, make sure your teenager is behind the wheel of a safe vehicle.

 

Safety Factors

 

When beginning the search for safe vehicles, most families turn to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The IIHS has been performing crash tests and rating vehicle safety since the early 1990’s. When rating vehicles, the IIHS relies on four primary principles which are used as a guide when walking to the car lot with your teenage son or daughter.

• Horsepower – Speed is tempting, and vehicles with high horsepower motors should be avoided.
• Big and heavy – Studies show teens are less likely to crash larger vehicles. Combined with their size, big and heavy vehicles prove safer by putting more car between them and the oncoming vehicle.
• Electronic stability control – Considered a must, this add-on for most vehicles reduces wheel slip, on turns and slippery surfaces.
• Good rating – The IIHS recommends any vehicle you consider carry a rating of “good” or better.

Safety ratings should be the number one consideration when choosing a vehicle. The only constraint should be combined cost of your automobile insurance and the vehicle’s purchase.

Teenagers, however, may be more concerned about the color, style, or the cool factor of their first car. Balancing your budget with their desire to fit in, we’ve built a list of IIHS top choices your teenager will want to drive.

Vehicles Under $20,000

 

Automobiles with price tags over $20,000 have a much higher likelihood of carrying top safety ratings. Once we break through this barrier, however, manufacturers begin to look for ways to cut costs, including safety features. But fear not, here are a few that fit the bill:

• 2013 Infiniti M37 (large car) –If you’re looking for a larger vehicle to surround your teen, look no further than the Infiniti M37. Stylish leaning toward luxurious, this will be one of the most comfortable rides for you and your new driver on the list.
• 2013 Audi A3 (midsize car) – Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, especially when it comes to automobiles. But when trying to include safety in a budget, the options become limited. Enter the Audi A3. A fit and trim sedan, which won’t be as embossing as a station wagon while still helping protect your young drivver.
• 2015 Nissan Pathfinder (SUV) – Many believe SUVs are safer than a sedan or coupe. However, with their higher center of gravity, the threat of rolling over does exist. The Pathfinder is one of a handful of SUVs earning the ‘good’ safety rating and is a good bet for the teenager looking for that higher-riding vehicle.

Vehicles Under $10,000

 

Dropping the budget nearly in half, finding affordable options under $10,000 becomes a bit more of a challenge. There are plenty of options available for the more budget conscious family.

• 2013 Ford Fusion (midsize car) – As the first American manufacturer on our list, Ford has become a player in the safety-first approach to building cars within the past decade. The Fusion is a stylish vehicle no matter what your age.
• 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander (SUV) – The only SUV under the $10,000 mark comes from Mitsubishi, and you may need to look at Outlanders more than five years. Although they earn IIHS’s ‘good’ rating, since you will likely be looking at older models, make sure you have your trusted mechanic give your potential new purchase a good look over.

Vehicles Under $5,000

 

Well maintained cars under $5,000 may be hard to come by. But if you are patient, one of these only two vehicles to make IIHS’s list may just fall in your lap. If your budget restricts you to a “beater-with-a-heater” that also delivers safety, these are your options.

• 2007 Volvo S80 (large car) – No surprise here that Volvo makes our list. A decade-old vehicle may not be your first choice, but at $4,000 and ‘good’ safety ratings, this sedan will get your teen where they need to go, safely.
• 2005 Volvo XC90 (SUV) – If you are willing to go a couple of years older, it may be a surprise to find an SUV on the list. Here we have only one of two safe SUVs under $10,000 with the Volvo meeting even the tightest of budgets.

Shop Carefully

 

It’s necessary to point out that just because a used vehicle is an IIHS top safety pick, it doesn’t mean the vehicle is safe to drive. Always have a used automobile pre-inspected by a trusted, third-party mechanic. Worn brakes or tires, disconnected airbag systems, and other issues could turn your safety pick into a safety lemon.

Also important is to make sure your teen has the proper automobile insurance in place. To learn more about automobile insurance solutions for your teen, or additional insurance options, contact our team at ProtectiveAgency.com or call (877) 739-9367. Our licensed insurance agents will be happy to answer any questions you have.